For homeowners looking to limit their outgoings, household bills are often one of the biggest expenses
Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has revealed homeowners may be able to save hundreds on their water bill, even if they don’t have a water meter. When it comes to cutting costs, many homeowners opt to install a water meter. But not every home is eligible for a water meter.
While people in England and Wales can usually get a water meter for free on request, it may not be fitted if there are space or access issues, like if you live in a flat with shared pipes. However, in these circumstances, people may ask for an ‘assessed charge bill’.
MSE, which was founded by Martin Lewis, explains: “To get a water meter installed, you can head over to your provider’s website and see if you can apply – you’ll usually need to fill in an application form – or give it a call and ask.
“It should be free to get one installed and water meters can be fitted inside and outside your home. If you can’t get a water meter fitted due to lack of space or access, your water company should offer you an assessed charges bill.”
MSE explains that the factors used to determine an ‘assessed charge bill’ can vary from company to company, but it’s often decided on factors such as the number of bedrooms in your property or the number of people who live there. Some homeowners have saved hundreds of pounds by switching.
One success story shared in MSE’s weekly round-up highlighted how a homeowner saved £500 a year by requesting an assessed charge bill. MoneySaver Luke told MSE: “My water company wanted to charge me £50 a month for just me in a two-bed flat.
“I called them to negotiate – they told me that’s the price and to deal with it. I looked on MSE and saw the value of getting a water meter installed. I’m now on assessed charges of around £100 a year, saving me £500 a year that quickly!”
MSE shares more real-life stories from homeowners on a webpage sharing advice for people looking to cut their water bills. Another MoneySaver shared that they had saved almost £200.
He followed a similar route after being told a water meter could not be fitted at his home. Luke explained: “They said they’d put me on an assessed household charge and my bill would go from £567 to £370 and I’d remain unmetered. Almost a £200 saving!”
